The Dutchman scored a hat trick in the 3-0 win over Olympiakos but now United have now revealed that the 17-goal forward, who missed much of November, December and January with a thigh problem, will be out for some time after a scan to determine the scale of sprained knee.

BREAKING: Following further investigation, Robin van Persie has a sprained knee, which will keep him out for around four to six weeks. #mufc

Manager David Moyes earlier said: “Robin van Persie won't be available [on Saturday against West Ham], we're getting him rescanned. We've got a lot of games coming up, it's important we have all our players fit and available.”

For the game against the Hammers, it means Moyes faces a decision whether to recall Javier Hernandez, who has not played since Feb. 9’s draw against Fulham, or to move Danny Welbeck, who excelled on the left wing against Olympiakos, into a central role, or whether to pick Wayne Rooney as a lone striker.